Newcastle have joined Manchester United in the race for Joao Palhinha, who looks likely to leave Sporting CP in the summer, according to reports in Portugal.

Joao Palhinha has been linked with a Premier League transfer for a number of months. Last summer, he was regularly mentioned as a target for Tottenham. No transfer materialised, although the suggestion of a move in the future has not faded.

Man Utd were recently said to have started scouting Palhinha. The Red Devils need to reinforce their midfield after neglecting the position in the past couple of transfer windows.

As already reported elsewhere, Jornal De Noticias (via Sport Witness) have now confirmed Man Utd watched Palhinha for Sporting against Porto earlier this month. It was not the ideal audition, as their target was benched, booked and then sent off after a 40-man brawl.

Still, their interest in Palhinha remains. However, the same report reveals Newcastle are now also in contention for his signature.

After their Saudi-backed takeover, Newcastle signed five players in January, including one midfielder. Bruno Guimaraes could be joined by further reinforcements in his position in the coming months.

Record also back up interest from Newcastle as well as Spanish champions Atletico Madrid and claim a summer move is likely for the Portugal international.

According to Jornal De Noticias, Newcastle were also present for the match between Sporting and Porto. They have been keeping tabs on Palhinha as well.

Although he has a release clause of €60m, Sporting could cash in on the 26-year-old for a fee of around €30m in the summer. The Premier League seems to be the most likely destination, although there are several options within it.

Mendes to facilitate Joao Palhinha transfer?
Palhinha will have to weigh up which is the best, making any decision with the advice of his family after his association with his agent expired recently, as per Record.

He will not be renewing his contract, although the fact it runs until 2026 puts Sporting under little, if any, pressure to sell.

But if he wants to fulfil any ambitions in the Premier League or La Liga, he could ask for help from Jorge Mendes to push through a deal.

In that event, Newcastle would be hoping to benefit, if they can compete with a club of Man Utd’s stature.